On a recent trip to Vilnius to attend the opening of 8th Artist’s Book Triennial Vilnius 2018, my travel companion insisted not to fly (not because of fear of flying but for climate reasons) – so we had to find an alternative itinerary.

It has been an fine experience – both to plan and actually to implement! Traveling in this way is obviously both more expensive, more difficult and takes considerably longer than airplanes. But that can be done – and it’s good for the carbon footprint!

On our travel we went by train via Copenhagen to Karlshamn in Sweden. There we took a fresh walk of 5 km from the station to the ferry (no bus here) – with bag pack and bags. The more we deserved – and enjoyed – the life on board: to take a shower, dress up, have dinner at the ship’s restaurant and sleep in our bunks all night on the way to Klaipeda. From Klaipeda we went by bus to Vilnius (by train on the way back – it’s far better than the bus!). A total of 1.100 km in distance and 30 hours on the move.

Usually I have been flying from Cph to Vilnius direct – it take about 1,5 hours. It’s about changing perspectives; experiencing the journey itself as part of the experience, rather than hurrying to the destination – before the fun can begin.

The journey allowed us plenty of time to see the landscape and immerse ourselves in good books, knitting, chess and other games. And of course it helps to be in good company.(Thank you, Bjarne!) As a final surplus you get a deeper understanding of the actual distance!

All in all, a very nice experience I’m totally ready to try again another time! It does not mean I’ll never fly anymore, but I’ve got a new awareness that there are alternatives!

> hanne posted: ” On the recent trip to Vilnius to attend the opening of 8th > Artist’s Book Triennial Vilnius 2018, my travel companion insisted not to > fly – so we had to find an alternative itinerary. It has been an fine > experience – both to plan and actually to impleme” >